That’s the old workingman’s hall, originally built by the Allendate/Esmond Mills/Esmond Blanket company. In the 60s and 70s the structure just to the left was the East Smithfield Library, the one to the right was used for their summer recreation program (and even included a small bowling alley). In the 70s the building to the right was converted to use as the library, which is now south on Esmond St, at the intersection of Dean Avenue.

The stone building to the right was the hq of the Allendale Mill, precursor to the Esmond Mills.

All by way of saying, the main building, a multi-use rec hall, was certainly suited for use as a theater in the silent days.

A quick question for those who worked at the theater in its' various incarnations. I happened to see several disused old dressing rooms, including lighted mirrors, going up a couple of levels, in the backstage area at the Strand when it was operating as a rock club. Given the historical record, can you explain the dressing rooms? Did they run vaudeville acts along with the movies in the early days? Strippers with the dirty movies? Can’t figure it out….